Recent content by dsorkin

How I removed it I struggled with the plug for a long time. I tried soaking it with penetrating oil over a multiple days, heating the surrounding metal with a torch, banging on it with a hammer, using a very long lever on the wrench - nothing worked. Finally I drilled a big hole in the plug...

That looks horrible. Be prepared for the whole thing to fall apart. Maybe try some plumbers epoxy to stop the leak and then fix it properly after the heating season ends.

If I wanted to how would I remove a plug from a 2 1/2 tapping on a steam boiler. It looks like it would require a square drive like for a socket wrench only much bigger. Is there a special tool to do this with? I am thinking about redoing the near boiler piping to my boiler next summer. It is...

Follow up - I spoke with Hydrolevel (manufacturer of the LWCO) and they confirm the installation of the probe into the riser pipe. Many thanks!

If it is a two pipe heating system there could be a trap that needs to be replaced or incorrect pitch somewhere. I do not think the size of the vent would prevent the radiator from reaching the proper temp, a smaller vent hole would just take longer but would still fill with steam. Rather than...

Thanks for the reply John. I had also thought of doing that but wasn't sure if it would be safe enough. Do you know if that is a recognized installation method or if there was ever an inspector in my house they would get a good laugh at my expense from it? I like this idea because besides not...

If there is ever a fire in the house the foam insulation will produce toxic smoke when burned. Fiberglass insulation will not burn.

Hi, I have an old steam boiler that I want to install an electronic Low Water Cut Off into. Unfortunately there is no opening in the side of the boiler where the probe can go. The probe requires a 3/4" NPT tap which would require a 29/32" hole. I imagine I can carefully drill the hole in the...